Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Role Of Functional Cognition In Early Psychosis Care: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Angelica Detata

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of psychosis significantly impacting functional outcomes. Functional cognition as a target in early psychosis treatment is insufficiently addressed.

Fostering Wellness: Developing Strategies To Improve Mental Health And Decrease Burnout For Professionals Serving Foster Youth, Amaya Dorado Ledesma

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

High burnout rates, turnover, and decreased mental health are limiting not only foster youth professionals, but also the families and children they serve.

Going With The Flow: Psychological Flow & The Mental Health Of Occupational Therapy Students, Sydney Buchanan

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite a growing interest in psychological flow as a factor associated with positive mental health outcomes, its relationship to OTD student well-being has remained underexplored.

Post-Stroke Fatigue: Bridging Neuropathology And Neurorehabilitation-Translating Research Into Clinical Assessment And Intervention Strategies, Wesley Green

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Current clinical approaches to post-stroke fatigue are challenged by limited evidence and an incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

Healing After Loss: Maternal Wellness Following Perinatal Loss, Farah S. Hakim

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Perinatal loss can disrupt women's roles, routines, identity, and emotional well-being.

Postpartum services often focus on medical recovery within healthcare settings.

Limited occupational therapy and culturally responsive resources exist after perinatal loss

Neurodivergent Well-Being In Independent Living Skills Programs: Impact Of Ot-Informed Resources And Community Programming, Grace Hepner

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

There is a need for multidimensional support for neurodivergent college students due to an increasing number of these students enrolling in higher education.

Kickin' It Old School: Connecting The Ages, Elyssia Lambert

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem Statement

Lack of social participation is associated with negative impacts on QoL in individuals with dementia

Lack of awareness and knowledge of OT as a career option

Connection For All: Supporting Neurodivergent-Accessible Sex And Dating Education, Emma Martinho

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

While engaging in sexuality and dating are expressed interests for neurodivergent young adults, there is a lack of support limiting their participation.

Supporting The Transition: A Summer Camp Model For Students With Adhd Entering Middle School, Anna G. Schene

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Students transitioning from elementary school to middle school experience newfound independence, requiring sufficiency in their executive functioning skills. The school-based OT service delivery does not always include or target this population, leaving students without the support needed to develop these skills.

Unequal Access, Unmet Needs: Rethinking Occupational Therapy In Private Practice, Meghan Smith

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Individuals from low-SES backgrounds often experience barriers to occupational therapy services, while private practitioners face challenges balancing accessibility with financial sustainability. These challenges underscore the need to better prepare future occupational therapists to provide equitable, accessible, and sustainable services within private practice.

Learn As You Are: Equipping Key Educational Stakeholders With Neuro-Affirming Knowledge To Support Inclusion Of Autistic Students, Jessalyn Sulamo

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Students throughout the autism spectrum often experience challenges relating to social and communication difficulties, sensory challenges, and inflexible approaches that hinder their social, emotional, and academic well-being (Black et al., 2024).

Clinician Perspective And Uses Of Technology In Neurological Home Health Rehabilitation: A Quality Improvement Project, Sean Sullinger

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite advancements in technology-based intervention systems and supporting evidence on its benefits, rehabilitation clinicians often demonstrate minimal adoption rates in practice due to a lack of training, device access, and confidence in implementation skills leading to impacts on intervention variability in practice.

Dnp Final Report: Implementing The 5-2-1-0 Lifestyle Framework To Address Elevated Bmi In Pediatric Primary Care, Mary K. Williams

DNP Final Reports

Pediatric obesity remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to specialty care is limited. Primary care settings provide an important opportunity for early identification and intervention through family-based lifestyle modification. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary impact of implementing the 5-2-1-0 healthy habits framework, developed by researchers at Penn State, in a rural pediatric primary care clinic to promote improved lifestyle behaviors among children with elevated body mass index (BMI).

This project included pediatric patients ages 5–16 years presenting for well-child visits with a BMI at or …

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Mothers Through Occupation-Based Education, Jessica J. Valencia, Justine Faghihifar, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project evaluated the implementation of an occupational therapy-informed educational program for mothers, with children under the age of 18, who have experienced intimate partner violence at Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. The purpose of the project was to promote occupational engagement through education focused on stress management, sleep and rest, routines and habits, memory and attention, parenting and communication, and leisure participation. A needs assessment informed the development of a six-week bilingual intervention consisting of group and individual sessions. Program outcomes were evaluated using pre- and post-intervention assessments, participant feedback, and clinical observations. The project demonstrated improvements in …

Empowering Independence For Young Adults With Disabilities, Grace Sloan, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Young adults with disabilities often face challenges in maintaining and finding employment, living independently, and participating socially. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a program to enhance job readiness, independent living, and social participation skills for young adults with disabilities. This project highlighted the need for occupation-based activities to support the transition from high school to adulthood for young adults with disabilities.

Empowering Amputees Through Education And Resources To Improve Independence And Quality Of Life, Brooke A. Hodges, Wendy M. Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop and implement an evidence-based educational toolkit to increase community resource awareness for individuals with amputations. The project was completed at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas, Texas, and involved adult patients with limb loss and rehabilitation healthcare professionals. A needs assessment was conducted using surveys, semi-structured interviews, and informal discussions to identify educational gaps and resource needs. Findings informed the development of educational materials addressing mental health, peer support, financial assistance, transportation, driving rehabilitation, home modifications, adaptive recreation, prosthetic resources, and community organizations. The toolkit was designed to accommodate varying …

Using Creative Arts In Occupational Therapy To Address Motor And Nonmotor Symptoms Of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Elizabeth L. Batista, Kristin Domville, Pam Kasyan-Howe

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDD), including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, significantly impact motor function, cognition, self-esteem, and occupational engagement. Although creative arts interventions have demonstrated psychosocial benefits, there is limited research examining visual arts as an occupational therapy-led modality addressing both motor and nonmotor symptoms through meaningful occupation (Gros et al., 2024; Li et al., 2024; Chancellor et al., 2014).
This capstone project developed and implemented an OT-led creative arts program utilizing painting as the primary intervention for individuals with NDD residing in an assisted living facility and/or attending an adult day center. Guided by MOHO, …

Advocacy For Inclusive Play In South Dallas: Expanding Access For Children In Underserved Areas, Aryanna Fellows, Mary Jan Greer

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to advocate for more inclusive and accessible playgrounds for children of all abilities in underserved communities in South Dallas. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model, the project evaluated playground accessibility and identified environmental barriers that limit participation for children with disabilities. Methods included a community needs assessment, playground observations using a standardized accessibility assessment tool, surveys, and stakeholder collaboration. Participants included community members, caregivers, organizational stakeholders, and children who utilize local playgrounds. Findings were synthesized to develop evidence-based recommendations and educational resources to support future playground improvements. The expected outcomes included increased awareness of inclusive playground …

Calm, Confident, Capable: An Educational Manual To Support Effective Oral Care For Children With Autism, Jared D. Morgan, Leah I. Stein Duker, Carrie Alvarado, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dental health professionals report limited confidence, perceived competence, and preparedness when providing oral health care to autistic children, which can significantly impact patient participation, quality of care, and overall dental experience. Autistic children are more likely to have dental conditions compared to their neurotypical peers. The methods of this project consisted of four phases being development, preview, revision, and dissemination. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational manual that provides dental health professionals with practical knowledge, skills, and abilities to address the needs of autistic children, to ensure effective oral health care. The expected outcomes of this …

Navigating Concussion Recovery: An Educational Module-Based Approach To Strengthening Occupational Therapist Confidence And Effectiveness In Concussion Rehabilitation, Alejandra Abella, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as concussion, presents with complex physical, cognitive, visual, vestibular, and emotional symptoms that can significantly affect an individual's ability to participate in meaningful daily occupations. Although occupational therapists play an essential role in concussion rehabilitation, many clinicians report that confidence in evaluating and treating this population develops primarily through years of clinical experience rather than structured education. Inconsistent exposure to concussion cases and limited access to current evidence-based resources contribute to variations in clinical confidence and practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a comprehensive …

Occupational Therapy Education In A Changing Climate, Elizabeth Ballenger, Amy Lyons-Brown, Elizabeth Richardson

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone explored how occupational therapy can strengthen its response to climate change and planetary health through education, collaboration, and organizational development. In partnership with SOTER and Project PrOTect, the project used literature review, needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary learning to develop strategic frameworks, educational resources, and digital dissemination tools. The project emphasized building organizational capacity, expanding occupational therapy’s role in planetary health, and leveraging international collaboration to support sustainable, occupation-centered action.

Supporting Participation Through Sensory Inclusion, Karla Bonilla, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on promoting sensory-inclusive environments to support play and social participation among autistic children. The project was conducted in partnership with Straight From The Heart, a foster care organization in San Diego County. A community profile, literature review, and needs assessment were completed using caregiver and social worker surveys and semi-structured interviews with community organization professionals to identify environmental barriers, caregiver education needs, and resource priorities. The findings informed the development of sensory-inclusive educational resources and educational workshop. Stakeholder feedback was used to refine the resources and evaluate their perceived relevance and usefulness. The project highlights the …

Beyond The Athlete: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of Occupational Identity, Sofia Paniagua-Bauer, Karen Park

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adolescent student-athletes experience unique demands as they navigate the expectations of competitive sport alongside academic, social, and developmental responsibilities. These demands may influence mental health, executive functioning, occupational balance, and the development of occupational identity. The purpose of this Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) capstone project was to explore the development of occupational identity through the lived experience of growing up as a competitive athlete and to examine how participation in sport influenced mental health, self-regulation, executive functioning, and engagement in meaningful occupations. An autoethnographic approach was used to reflect on my personal experiences while completing a capstone experience at …

Supporting Firefighter Families: Addressing Occupational Disruptions Through An Occupation-Centered Approach, Tiana M. Gomez, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, Karen Park

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Firefighting involves long shifts, unpredictable schedules, sleep disruption, and repeated exposure to occupational stressors that may affect not only firefighters but also their families. This doctoral capstone examined how the occupational demands of firefighting influence family roles, routines, habits, participation, and overall well-being. A convergent mixed-methods study included active or retired firefighters (n = 18) and adult firefighter family members (n = 10), with three participants also completing optional semi-structured interviews. Quantitative survey data were analyzed descriptively, while interview transcripts and open-ended responses were analyzed thematically using the Model of Human Occupation as a guiding framework. Findings demonstrated disruptions in …

Interaction Of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics With Nephropathy And Hepatic Insufficiency In Diabetic/ Obesity C57bl/6 Mouse Model, Oyinkansola Mudasiru, Vivian Etugbo, Bhuvana L. Chandrashekar, Reginald Adiele, Ramiro Cisneros

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction/Purpose: Obesity has become an epidemic with over six million adult individuals affected by this metabolic condition, and it is associated with over 40% of deaths worldwide. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of kidney disease globally and it is a major cause of mortalities associated with diabetes. In DKD, impaired glucose regulation results in hyperglycemia-induced metabolic dysfunction that culminate in abnormal energy utilization and mitochondrial dysfunction and play critical role in the pathogenesis of DKD. Incidentally, mitochondrial functions and dynamics are impaired in liver insufficiencies of multiple origins. Prevention of triglyceride and lipotoxic accumulations by hepatic mitochondria …

Timing Matters: Safe And Timely Insulin Administration, Katlyn Lenox

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Timely insulin administration is essential for safe inpatient diabetes management and is strongly associated with improved glycemic control and fewer adverse events. Despite ADA recommendations to administer insulin within 30 minutes of point‑of‑care (POC) glucose testing, internal data showed only 44% compliance, with an average delay of 44 minutes. These delays increased the risk of hypo‑ and hyperglycemia and highlighted the need for workflow redesign and strengthened nursing processes.

Aim of the Project: To increase the percentage of insulin doses administered within 30 minutes of POC glucose testing, reduce adverse glycemic events, enhance patient safety, and align practice with …

Improving Medication Reconciliation Compliance In Home Health Admissions, Paula A. Petrie-Rivas

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background: Clinician compliance with medication reconciliation at a home health agency was below regulatory expectations, with agency performance significantly lower than state and national averages. Workflow inefficiencies, inconsistent clinician practices, and limited training contributed to noncompliance, increasing the risk of medication discrepancies, preventable rehospitalizations, and Medicare reimbursement penalties.

Aim: This quality improvement project implemented a standardized medication reconciliation workflow using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s MATCH toolkit to improve clinician compliance during admission to home health.

Evidence: Literature supports structured medication reconciliation as an effective strategy to improve safety during transitions of care. The MATCH toolkit provides a …

Poor Adherence To Established Clinical Guidelines In Outpatient Bladder Cancer Management, Melanie Boren

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: The outpatient urology practice encountered challenges with adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), primarily due to unfamiliarity and lack of operational accountability. This led to a low adherence rate of only 40% among patients with bladder cancer. Key issues included inadequate training and knowledge gaps regarding CPGs.

Aim of the Project: The project aimed to improve patient care and outcomes in bladder cancer treatment by enhancing patient retention and adherence to treatment protocols. Evidence-based interventions were implemented to optimize care delivery and support adherence to prescribed treatments.

Review of Evidence: A literature review highlights the effectiveness of nurse navigator …

Increasing Referrals To The Lung Cancer Screening Program, Megan Randall

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. A Veterans Administration (VA) primary care clinic demonstrated lower referral rates to the lung cancer screening (LCS) program than a comparable VA clinic despite having a higher prevalence of tobacco users. Existing electronic health record reminders focused on smoking cessation and did not systematically assess eligibility for LCS, contributing to underutilization of the screening program.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this quality improvement project was to increase referrals to the LCS program by improving identification …

Purposeful Rounds: A Structured Fall Prevention Plan: Final Report, Cincerlyn Lewis

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Falls are the most frequently reported preventable events in hospitalized patients.  Falls in the project unit were increasing, and a gap analysis revealed variation in how nurses assessed fall risk and implemented interventions. Evidence indicated that inconsistent rounding undermined situational awareness and delayed identification of patient needs. This gap highlighted the need for a structured, evidence‑based rounding process to improve consistency and reliability.

Aim of the project: The Purposeful Rounds (PR) project aimed to implement a structured process to improve rounding consistency and staff responsiveness, while reducing fall rates over a 12‑week period.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence-based literature …